2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, marked its fifth generation with a design that was shorter in height, broader in width, and longer in wheelbase compared to its predecessor. Despite maintaining the same overall length, it offered more cargo space than the 2022 model, though still less than some rivals. The RX appeared smaller due to its reduced rear overhang, softer design lines, and a floating roof effect created by the down-sloping black trim on the rear pillar. The front featured a spindle-style grille integrated into the design, with a modern mesh texture and an elevated hood. The rear showcased a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper. The RX's styling was familiar yet fresh, distinguishing it from the previous generation and the smaller Lexus NX.

Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen displays. It offered high-quality materials, with NuLuxe artificial leather as standard and genuine leather available. The RX 350, RX 350h, and RX 500h models were available, with Canadian pricing starting at $58,650. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid was anticipated but not immediately available.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, available in four trim levels in Canada, maintained the design introduced in 2019. The Trail trim featured a two-part face, blacked-out wheels, and beefier cladding, giving it a rugged appearance. The interior of the Trail trim included orange accents and a basic centre console. The RAV4 offered a frameless rearview mirror and a more pedestrian interior compared to the premium feel of the Toyota Venza. The LE and XLE trims had fabric upholstery, while the XLE Premium package upgraded to synthetic leather. The Limited trim featured heated and ventilated seats with memory settings. The RAV4's pricing ranged from just over $35,000 to $45,000-plus for the Limited trim.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The AWD system was standard in Canada. The RX 350 Executive trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport 3 trim felt more secure with its adaptive suspension. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds, with fuel economy estimated at 9.9 L/100 km in combined driving.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. AWD was standard across all trims. The RAV4's performance was described as unobjectionable, with a focus on noise rather than excitement. The Trail trim featured 19-inch wheels and a suspension setup similar to other RAV4 models.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfortable seating, with the F Sport 3 package providing sport seat bolsters. The Executive trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a sophisticated interior design. The RX provided 838 litres of cargo space with the second row in position, expanding to 1,308 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 seated five and offered 958 mm of front headroom and 1,001 mm in the rear. Front legroom measured 1,039 mm, while the rear offered 960 mm. The RAV4 provided ample storage options, including a shelf above the glove compartment and generous door pockets. Cargo space measured 1,059 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,977 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface multimedia system with a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreens. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The system allowed user profiles and streaming through embedded apps. The RX offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, digital instrumentation, and optional head-up display.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, upgraded to 10.5 inches in the Limited trim. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with connected services available. The Limited trim featured an 11-speaker JBL audio system and a 12.3-inch driver-information display.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring. New features included motorcycle detection and evasive steering assistance. Semi-autonomous technologies like Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were available.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, with lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with top scores in crash-testing.